Toshiba today introduced KIRA, a new brand for consumers. The first device to launch under the brand is KIRAbook, a 13.3-inch Ultrabook featuring the company's ultra-high resolution PixelPure display and a lightweight design.
KIRAbook has an industrial design, premium build materials and is backed by a two-year warranty, plus complimentary Platinum service and support. The Ultrabook will make its debut in the U.S. market in early May.
"At the core of the KIRA brand are products derived from inspired engineering," said Carl Pinto, vice president of marketing, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. "Products that will carry the KIRA name will be more than a collection of the latest hardware technologies, but a statement of craftsmanship, fit and finish, and features built for the consumer's benefit, not technology's sake."
KIRAbook is the first laptop from Toshiba to feature the ultra-high resolution, factory color-calibrated PixelPure display. With a native resolution of 2560 x 1440, KIRAbook delivers 221 pixels per inch to the device's 13.3-inch diagonal display - a 90-percent increase over standard HD displays. Offered in both standard and touchscreen display configurations, KIRAbook's touchscreen models utilize Corning Concore Glass, which offers damage resistance and a 10-point multi-touch surface to navigate the Windows 8 experience. KIRAbook also includes Adobe Photoshop Elements 11 and Premiere Elements 11 software.
KIRAbook'is also equipped with high-quality stereo speakers by Harman Kardon, and audio processing by DTS.
KIRAbook is the only Ultrabook of its kind to be constructed with AZ91 pressed magnesium alloy and a honeycomb-base. One hundred percent stronger than aluminum alloy, the use of AZ91 enables KIRAbook to maintain lightness. Honeycomb reinforcement is applied to key pressure point areas of the device such as the palm rest area to achieve a higher grade of durability.
On the inside, KIRAbook features Toshiba's AirFlow II technology, a thin multi-phase fan cooling system, as well as a stabilizing hinge that increases the resilience of the lid when opening and closing the laptop and reduces screen bounce for touchscreen use. A high-capacity Li-Polymer battery is incorporated to let users work unplugged throughout the day with a long battery life rating, while a 256GB Solid State Drive and 8GB of 1600 MHz memory produce a fast experience. KIRAbook is powered by 3rd generation Intel Core processors.
The device has a starting weight of a scant 2.6-pounds and stands at an ultra-slim 0.7 inches. The design also includes a frameless LED backlit keyboard.
KIRAbook also features a complimentary two-year subscription to a custom suite of security products from Symantec, including Norton Internet Security, Norton Anti-Theft and Norton Online Backup, providing 25GB of online storage.
The KIRAbook will be available for pre-order on May 3, 2013 and for purchase on May 12 at Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, Microsoft Store, B&H and Adorama, and direct from Toshiba at ToshibaDirect.com.
Three configurations will be available ranging from $1,599.99 MSRP to $1,999.99 MSRP, featuring Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processors.
Specifications
OPERATING SYSTEM
PROCESSOR AND GRAPHICS
- Intel® Core i5-3337U Processor
• (3MB Cache, up to 2.7 GHz) with Intel Turbo Boost Technology
- Mobile Intel HM76 Express Chipset
- Mobile Intel HD Graphics with 64MB-1664MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory
- Intel® Core i7-3537U Processor
• (4MB Cache, up to 3.1 GHz) with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
- Mobile Intel HM76 Express Chipset
- Mobile Intel HD Graphics with 64MB-1664MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory
MEMORY
- Configured with 8GB DDR3 1600MHz (max 8GB)
DISPLAY
- 13.3” diagonal widescreen PixelPure LED backlit at 2560 x 1440
native resolution (WQHD)
• 217 pixels per inch
• 16:9 aspect ratio
• Native support for 1080p content
• Touch Screen
Intel Wireless Display Ready
SOUND
- harman/kardon stereo speakers
- DTS Studio Sound
- Dual microphones with Beam Forming technology
INPUT DEVICES
- Frameless LED Backlit Keyboard
- Clickpad pointing device with Windows 8 Gesture support
COMMUNICATIONS
- HD Webcam and microphone
- Intel Centrino Wireless-N 2230, 2x2 BGN
- Bluetooth version 4.0
EXPANDIBILITY
- Memory Card Reader
• Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity, SDXC, Mini SD, Micro SD, MultiMedia Card [shared slot may require adapter for use]
PORTS
- Video
• HDMI
- Audio
• Microphone input port with Toshiba Sleep and Music
• Headphone output port
- Data
• 3 USB ports 3.0 ports (1 with USB Sleep and Charge)
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
- Pressed magnesium enclosure
- Dimensions (W x D x H Front/H Rear): 12.44” x 8.15” x 0.70”
- Weight: Starting at 2.66 lbs. depending upon configuration
POWER
- 45W (19V 2.37A) 100-240V/50-60Hz AC Adapter
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 3.7” x 1.6” x 1.1”
- Weight: starting at 0.40 lbs.
BATTERY
- 4 cell/52Wh Lithium Polymer battery pack (not user replaceable)
- Battery Life Rating (measured by MobileMark™ Productivity 2012)
• Included 4 cell battery: up to 6 hours, 10 minutes
SOFTWARE
- Toshiba Software and Utilities
- TOSHIBA Bluetooth Stack for Windows
- TOSHIBA Desktop Assist
- TOSHIBA Function Key
- TOSHIBA Display Utility
- TOSHIBA ecUtility
- TOSHIBA Maintenance Utility
- TOSHIBA Media Player by sMediTruelink+
- TOSHIBA Password Utility
- TOSHIBA Recovery Media Creator
- TOSHIBA Service Station
- TOSHIBA System Settings
- TOSHIBA Resolution+ Upconvert Technology for Media Player
- TOSHIBA Video Player
Third-party Software
- Internet Explorer 10
- Intel Wireless Display 3.0
- Intel Rapid Start Technology
- Intel IPT Middleware
- Adobe Reader
- Adobe Premiere Elements 11 (full version)
- Adobe Photoshop Elements 11 (full version)
- DTS Studio Sound
- Norton Online Backup (24-month subscription)
- Norton Internet Security (24-month subscription)
- Norton Anti-Theft (24-month subscription)
Special Offers and Trial Software
- 1 month trial for new Office 365 customers
WARRANTY
- 2 Year Standard Limited Warranty